Investigating the Potential of Ghee Precursor-Derived Carbon Nano Onions for Enhancing Interfacial Bonding in Thermoplastic Composites.

In this study, we employed a straightforward flame synthesis process to produce carbon soot containing carbon nano onions (CNOs) using easily accessible ghee oil as a precursor. The ghee oil, with a molecular composition rich in more than 50 carbon atoms, served as an effective source for generating CNOs. The synthesized CNO particles underwent comprehensive characterization through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, providing a detailed account of their physicochemical properties. In addition, we explored the direct deposition of CNOs on carbon fiber (CF) surfaces for 5 and 10 min via a soot deposition process. The resulting freeze-fracture images obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) offered insights into the morphology of the CNO-deposited CF. Our study aims to shed light on the potential applications of CNOs, focusing on their characterization and the possible benefits they may offer in diverse fields, including but not limited to enhancing interfacial bonding in thermoplastic composites.

The rapid assessment for prostate imaging and diagnosis (RAPID) prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes within the Rapid Assessment for Prostate Imaging and Diagnosis (RAPID) diagnostic pathway, introduced to reduce patient and healthcare burdens and standardize delivery of pre-biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transperineal biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 2130 patients from three centres who completed the RAPID pathway (3 April 2017 to 31 March 2020) were consecutively entered as a prospective registry. These patients were also compared to a pre-RAPID cohort of 2435 patients. Patients on the RAPID pathway with an MRI score 4 or 5 and those with PSA density ≥0.12 and an MRI score 3 were advised to undergo a biopsy. Primary outcomes were rates of biopsy and cancer detection. Secondary outcomes included comparison of transperineal biopsy techniques, patient acceptability and changes in time to diagnosis before and after the introduction of RAPID. RESULTS: The median patient age and PSA level were 66 years and 6.6 ng/mL, respectively. Biopsy could be omitted in 43% of patients (920/2130). A further 7.9% of patients (168/2130) declined a recommendation for biopsy. The percentage of biopsies avoided among sites varied (45% vs 36% vs 51%; P < 0.001). In all, 30% (221/742) had a local anaesthetic (grid and stepper) transperineal biopsy. Clinically significant cancer detection (any Gleason score ≥3 + 4) was 26% (560/2130) and detection of Gleason score 3 + 3 alone constituted 5.8% (124/2130); detection of Gleason score 3 + 3 did not significantly vary among sites (P = 0.7). Among participants who received a transperineal targeted biopsy, there was no difference in cancer detection rates among local anaesthetic, sedation and general anaesthetic groups. In the 2435 patients from the pre-RAPID cohor, time to diagnosis was 32.1 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.3-34.9) compared to 15.9 days (95% CI 12.9-34.9) in the RAPID group. A total of 141 consecutive patient satisfaction surveys indicated a high satisfaction rate with the pathway; 50% indicated a preference for having all tests on a single day. CONCLUSIONS: The RAPID prostate cancer diagnostic pathway allows 43% of men to avoid a biopsy while preserving good detection of clinically significant cancers and low detection of insignificant cancers, although there were some centre-level variations.

A SLC35C2 Transporter-Targeting Fluorescent Probe for the Selective Detection of B Lymphocytes Identified by SLC-CRISPRi and Unbiased Fluorescence Library Screening.

T and B lymphocytes are two major adaptive immune cells in the human defense system. To real-time monitor their diverse functions, a live-cell-selective probe for only one cell type is need to investigate the complex interaction of the immune cells. Herein, a small-molecule probe CDyB for live B cells is developed by an unbiased fluorescence library screening. The cell selectivity was confirmed by multiparametric single-cell analysis using CyTOF. Through a systematic SLC-CRISPRi library screening, the molecular target of CDyB was identified as SLC35C2 transporter based on a gating-oriented live-cell distinction (GOLD) mechanism. The gene expression analysis and knock-out experiments validated that the SLC35C2 transporter was the target for CDyB distinction. Interestingly, when CDyB was applied to study B cell development, the CDyB fluorescence and SLC35C2 expression were positively correlated with the B cell maturation process, and not involved in the T cell development.

Lipid-Oriented Live-Cell Distinction of B and T Lymphocytes.

The identification of each cell type is essential for understanding multicellular communities. Antibodies set as biomarkers have been the main toolbox for cell-type recognition, and chemical probes are emerging surrogates. Herein we report the first small-molecule probe, CDgB, to discriminate B lymphocytes from T lymphocytes, which was previously impossible without the help of antibodies. Through the study of the origin of cell specificity, we discovered an unexpected novel mechanism of membrane-oriented live-cell distinction. B cells maintain higher flexibility in their cell membrane than T cells and accumulate the lipid-like probe CDgB more preferably. Because B and T cells share common ancestors, we tracked the cell membrane changes of the progenitor cells and disclosed the dynamic reorganization of the membrane properties over the lymphocyte differentiation progress. This study casts an orthogonal strategy for the small-molecule cell identifier and enriches the toolbox for live-cell distinction from complex cell communities.

Stress distribution within the ceramic veneer-tooth system with butt joint and feathered edge incisal preparation designs.

OBJECTIVE: This in-vitro study aims to study the stress distribution within the ceramic veneer-tooth system with two incisal preparation designs-butt joint (BJ) and feathered edge (FE), and to correlate these findings to the results of our previous published load-to-failure study. METHODS: Six photoelastic models were fabricated with an epoxy resin material (West System 105 Epoxy Resin/205 Fast Hardener, West System) to represent BJ and FE preparation configurations at 0° and 20° loading angulations. Lithium disilicate ceramic veneers (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) were bonded to the BJ and FE photoelastic models using resin cement (IPS Variolink Esthetic, Ivoclar Vivadent). Each model was loaded using an Instron Universal Testing Machine at the incisal edge at a cross-head speed of 0.25 mm/min till 100 N. RESULTS: BJ photoelastic model had more uniform distribution compared with FE photoelastic models under 0° and 20° loading angulations. CONCLUSION: Parallel to the results of our earlier load-to-failure published study, both incisal preparation designs affect stress distribution within the ceramic veneer-tooth system. BJ photoelastic model demonstrated a more uniform distribution compared with FE photoelastic model. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: BJ incisal preparation design has more uniform stress distribution than FE preparation design within the ceramic veneer-tooth system.

Long-term Graft and Patient Survival after Percutaneous Angioplasty or Arterial Stent Placement for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A 21-year Matched Cohort Study.

Purpose To compare long-term graft and patient survival after percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) or stent placement for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) with a control cohort without TRAS. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective matched cohort study of 41 patients (median age, 49 years; range, 18-72 years), including 27 male patients (median age, 48 years; range, 18-67 years) and 14 female patients (median age, 52 years; range, 24-68 years), with TRAS from December 1995 through 2016. Primary end points were death-censored graft and patient survival, compared by using log-rank test and Cox proportional regression. Secondary outcomes were improvement in renal function, blood pressure (BP), and complications. Results Twenty-four patients underwent PTA and 17 received stent placements. Ten-year graft survival was 92.1% (range, 83.2%-100%) versus 81.4% (range, 67.8%-95.3%) (P = .56), and 10-year patient survival was 89.9% (79.1%-100%) versus 84.7% (72.1%-97.5%) (P = .49), for the study and control groups, respectively. Five patients (12%) resumed dialysis in each group and a total of 17 patients died (eight in the study group and nine in the control group). Most patients died with a functioning graft (seven of eight in the study group and seven of nine in the control group). Posttreatment median systolic and diastolic BP improved by 12% and 7.4%, respectively, and serum creatinine improved by 27%. Normal systolic BP and serum creatinine level at 1 year after treatment were associated with better survival for patients (P = .04; hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0, 1.075) and grafts (P < .001; HR, 1.02; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.027). Other covariates, including PTA versus renal stent placement, intra-arterial pressure gradient greater than 10%, diastolic BP, age at transplantation, sex, graft type, rejection, and delayed graft function, were not significant. Five patients (12.2%) had a complication (Society of Interventional Radiology class A, two of 41 [4.9%]; class B, two of 41 [4.9%]; and class D, one of 41 [2.4%]); 30-day graft loss and patient mortality were zero. Conclusion Long-term graft and patient survival after endovascular correction of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) was similar to that without TRAS and most patients avoided returning to dialysis. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Dickey and Durrani in this issue.

A Diversity-Oriented Library of Fluorophore-Modified Receptors Constructed from a Chemical Library of Synthetic Fluorophores.

The practical application of biosensors can be determined by evaluating the sensing ability of fluorophore-modified derivatives of a receptor with appropriate recognition characteristics for target molecules. One of the key determinants for successfully obtaining a useful biosensor is wide variation in the fluorophores attached to a given receptor. Thus, using a larger fluorophore-modified receptor library provides a higher probability of obtaining a practically useful biosensor. However, no effective method has yet been developed for constructing such a diverse library of fluorophore-modified receptors. Herein, we report a method for constructing fluorophore-modified receptors by using a chemical library of synthetic fluorophores with a thiol-reactive group. This library was converted into a library of fluorophore-modified adenosine-binding ribonucleopeptide (RNP) receptors by introducing the fluorophores to the Rev peptide of the RNP complex by alkylation of the thiol group. This method enabled the construction of 263 fluorophore-modified ATP-binding RNP receptors and allowed the selection of suitable receptor-based fluorescent sensors that target ATP.

Finite element analysis of implant-assisted removable partial dentures: Framework design considerations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Connecting an acrylic resin base to both a metal framework and a rigidly fixed implant may affect the rotational displacement of the prosthesis during loading. PURPOSE: The purpose of this finite element analysis study was to analyze the effect of connecting a denture base metal framework to an implant with the aim of decreasing the rotational movement of an implant-assisted removable partial denture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mesial occlusal rest direct retainer and a distal occlusal rest direct retainer were modeled and adapted to incorporate a modified denture base metal framework in the connection area for each model. The stress and deformation patterns of the prosthesis structure were determined using finite element analysis and compared for both situations. RESULTS: A maximum von Mises stress of 923 MPa was observed on the metal framework of the prosthesis with a mesial occlusal rest, and the maximum value was 1478 MPa for the distal occlusal rest. A maximum von Mises stress of 17 MPa occurred on the acrylic resin denture base for the mesial occlusal rest, and a maximum von Mises stress of 29 MPa occurred for the distal occlusal rest. CONCLUSIONS: The distal occlusal rest direct retainer is stiffer than the mesial design and undergoes approximately 66% less deformation. The modified denture base framework with an I-bar and distal occlusal rest design provides more effective support to the acrylic resin structure.

Fractional flow reserve vs. angiography in guiding management to optimize outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the British Heart Foundation FAMOUS-NSTEMI randomized trial.

AIM: We assessed the management and outcomes of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients randomly assigned to fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided management or angiography-guided standard care. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a prospective, multicentre, parallel group, 1 : 1 randomized, controlled trial in 350 NSTEMI patients with ≥1 coronary stenosis ≥30% of the lumen diameter assessed visually (threshold for FFR measurement) (NCT01764334). Enrolment took place in six UK hospitals from October 2011 to May 2013. Fractional flow reserve was disclosed to the operator in the FFR-guided group (n = 176). Fractional flow reserve was measured but not disclosed in the angiography-guided group (n = 174). Fractional flow reserve ≤0.80 was an indication for revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The median (IQR) time from the index episode of myocardial ischaemia to angiography was 3 (2, 5) days. For the primary outcome, the proportion of patients treated initially by medical therapy was higher in the FFR-guided group than in the angiography-guided group [40 (22.7%) vs. 23 (13.2%), difference 95% (95% CI: 1.4%, 17.7%), P = 0.022]. Fractional flow reserve disclosure resulted in a change in treatment between medical therapy, PCI or CABG in 38 (21.6%) patients. At 12 months, revascularization remained lower in the FFR-guided group [79.0 vs. 86.8%, difference 7.8% (-0.2%, 15.8%), P = 0.054]. There were no statistically significant differences in health outcomes and quality of life between the groups. CONCLUSION: In NSTEMI patients, angiography-guided management was associated with higher rates of coronary revascularization compared with FFR-guided management. A larger trial is necessary to assess health outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Anomalous Anisotropic Thermal Expansion in a One-Dimensional Coordination Polymer Driven by Conformational Flexibility.

A one-dimensional lithium(I) coordination polymer has been characterized by variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. This compound possesses an anisotropic packing arrangement that, along with a scissor-like or hingelike movement of the pyridyl ligand side arms, results in an extremely rare combination of positive, negative, and zero thermal expansion. Designing such types of materials and understanding the mechanistic details can facilitate the design of new thermoresponsive materials.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) versus angiography in guiding management to optimise outcomes in non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (FAMOUS-NSTEMI) developmental trial: cost-effectiveness using a mixed trial- and model-based methods.

BACKGROUND: In the Fractional flow reserve (FFR) versus angiography in guiding management to optimise outcomes in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (FAMOUS) clinical trial, FFR was shown to significantly reduce coronary revascularisation, compared to visual interpretation of standard coronary angiography without FFR. We estimated the cost-effectiveness from a UK National Health Service perspective, based on the results of FAMOUS. METHODS: A mixed trial- and model-based approach using decision and statistical modelling was used. Within-trial (1-year) costs and QALYs were assembled at the individual level and then modelled on subsequent management strategy [coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or medical therapy (MT)] and major adverse coronary events (death, MI, stroke and revascularisation). One-year resource uses included: material, hospitalisation, medical, health professional service use and events. Utilities were derived from individual EQ5D responses. Unit costs were derived from the literature. Outcomes were extended to a lifetime on the basis of MACE during the 1st year. Costs and QALYs were modelled using generalized linear models whilst MACE was modelled using logistic regression. The analysis adopted a payer perspective. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3.5 %. RESULTS: Costs were related to the subsequent management strategy and MACE whilst QALYs were not. FFR led to a modest cost increase, albeit an imprecise increase, over both the trial [£112 (-£129 to £357)] and lifetime horizons [£133 (-£199 to £499)]. FFR led to a small, albeit imprecise, increase in QALYs over both the trial [0.02 (-0.03 to 0.06)] and lifetime horizons [0.03 (-0.21 to 0.28)]. The mean ICER was £7516/QALY and £4290/QALY over the trial and lifetime horizons, respectively. Decision remained high; FFR had 64 and 59 % probability of cost-effectiveness over trial and lifetime horizons, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FFR was cost-effective at the mean, albeit with considerable decision uncertainty. Uncertainty can be reduced with more information on long-term health events.

Finite element analysis of an implant-assisted removable partial denture during bilateral loading: occlusal rests position.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: When implants are incorporated into an existing partial removable dental prosthesis, the acrylic resin base can fracture. It is therefore essential to study the mechanical behavior of partial removable dental prostheses by using stress and deformation analysis. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the occlusal rest position on the implant-assisted partial removable dental prosthesis by finite element analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Faro Arm scan was used to extract the geometrical data of a human partially edentulous mandible. A standard plus regular neck (4.8×12 mm) implant and titanium matrix, tooth roots, and periodontal ligaments were modeled by using a combination of reverse engineering in Rapidform XOR2 and solid modeling with the Solid Works CAD program. The model incorporated a partial removable dental prosthesis and was loaded with standard bilateral forces. A uniform pressure was applied on the occlusal surface so as to generate an equivalent net force of 120 N for both the left and right prosthesis. The finite element analysis program ANSYS Workbench was used to analyze the stress and strain distributions in the implant-assisted partial removable dental prosthesis. RESULTS: Maximum stresses were significantly high for the metal framework compared to the acrylic resin surface, and these stresses were different for the mesial and distal arm designs. The maximum stress in the metal framework for the mesial arm design was 614.9 MPa, and it was 796.4 MPa for the distal arm design. The corresponding stresses in the acrylic resin surface were 10.6 and 8.6 MPa. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, it was found that moving the position of the occlusal rest from the mesial to distal side of the abutment teeth improved the stress distribution in the metal framework and acrylic resin denture base structures.

Performance parametric formulation of carbon fiber-reinforced composite locking bone implant plates based on finite-element analysis.

The treatment of Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) in the distal radius poses challenges due to the intricate anatomical features of the bone. It often necessitates the use of long implant plates or the interconnection of multiple short plates after tumor excision. However, the deployment of metal plates may increase the risk of screw loosening and various complications. To address these challenges, this study proposes the adoption of carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CFRP) as the base material. As a unique strategy, performance parameters (PP) were developed to compare CFRP implant plates with a Ti-6Al-4V plate using the Finite-element Method. The focus was on four elements: the screw axial force, bone growth, callus formation, and bone resorption. The investigation into the screw axial force involved analyzing the internal force of the screw. The remaining parameters were evaluated using the stress, strain, or elastic energy induced in the bones. The findings showed that the second screw endured the largest screw axial force, measuring 10.16 N under a 90-degree 10-N loading at the translocated bone. The model without a callus exerted a significantly greater force on the screw than the model with a callus, leading to screw loosening in the early stage of treatment. The maximum PP, reached 1.62, was achieved with an angle-ply [456/-456] laminate, featuring a weighting fraction of 0.7 for bone growth and 0.1 for the other parameters. This study provides a generalized methodology for assessing the performances of CFRP implants and offers guidelines for future development in composite implant plate technology.

Fractional flow reserve versus angiography in guiding management to optimize outcomes in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (FAMOUS-NSTEMI): rationale and design of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), coronary arteriography is usually recommended; but visual interpretation of the angiogram is subjective. We hypothesized that functional assessment of coronary stenosis severity with a pressure-sensitive guide wire (fractional flow reserve [FFR]) would have additive diagnostic, clinical, and health economic utility as compared with angiography-guided standard care. METHODS AND DESIGN: A prospective multicenter parallel-group 1:1 randomized controlled superiority trial in 350 NSTEMI patients with ≥1 coronary stenosis ≥30% severity (threshold for FFR measurement) will be conducted. Patients will be randomized immediately after coronary angiography to the FFR-guided group or angiography-guided group. All patients will then undergo FFR measurement in all vessels with a coronary stenosis ≥30% severity including culprit and nonculprit lesions. Fractional flow reserve will be disclosed to guide treatment in the FFR-guided group but not disclosed in the "angiography-guided" group. In the FFR-guided group, an FFR ≤0.80 will be an indication for revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery, as appropriate. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in the proportion of patients allocated to medical management only compared with revascularization. Secondary outcomes include the occurrence of cardiac death or hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart failure, quality of life, and health care costs. The minimum and average follow-up periods for the primary analysis are 6 and 18 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our developmental clinical trial will address the feasibility of FFR measurement in NSTEMI and the influence of FFR disclosure on treatment decisions and health and economic outcomes.

Improved photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B by g-C3N4 loaded BiVO4 nanocomposites.

Photocatalytic degradation has emerged as one of the most efficient methods to eliminate toxic dyes from wastewater. In this context, graphitic nitride (g-C3N4) loaded BiVO4 nanocomposites (5 wt% g-CN@BiVO4 and 10 wt% g-CN@BiVO4) have been fabricated by the wet impregnation method, and their efficiency towards photocatalytic removal of rhodamine B have been investigated under visible light irradiation. These hybrid composites have been characterized by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDS-mapping, UV-Vis DRS, DLS, XPS and BET, etc. The HRTEM images revealed that BiVO4 has a decagonal shape covered by a layered nanosheet-like structure of g-C3N4. BET measurements suggest increasing the proportion of g-C3N4 results enhancement of the specific surface area. Among different photocatalysts, the 10 wt% g-C3N4@BiVO4 hybrid possesses the best catalytic activity with 86% degradation efficiency after 60 min of reaction time. The LC-MS studies suggest that the degradation reactions follow the de-ethylation pathway. Even after five cycles, the heterostructure shows only a 14% decrease in photocatalytic activity, confirming its stability. As a result, the binary composite can be regarded as a promising catalyst for the degradation of pollutants due to its ease of preparation, high stability and superior catalytic activity.

Interfacial Engineering Methods in Thermoplastic Composites: An Overview.

The paper critically analyzed different interfacial enhancing methods used in thermoplastic composites. Although the absence of cross-linked polymer chains and chemical bonds on solidification enables the thermoplastics to be remelted, it creates weak interfacial adhesion between fibre reinforcements and the thermoplastic matrix. The weak fibre-matrix interface bonding reduces the efficiency with which the applied load can be transferred between these composite constituents, causing the composite to fail prematurely. Their need for high-temperature processing, poor compatibility with other polymer matrices, and relatively high viscosity render thermoplastics challenging when used to manufacture composite laminates. Therefore, various methods, including nanoparticles, changing the polarity of the fibre surface by plasma etching, chemical treatment with ozone, or an oxidative attack at the fibre surface, have been applied to improve the fibre/matrix bonding in thermoplastic composites. The fabrication steps followed in these techniques, their progress in research, and the associated toughening mechanisms are comprehensively discussed in this paper. The effect of different fibre-matrix interfacial enhancement methods on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites is also deliberated.

Thermal degradation and flame spread characteristics of epoxy polymer composites incorporating mycelium.

Although bioderived flame retardants are environmentally sustainable and less toxic, their impact on the thermal stability and flammability of polymers remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the influence of mycelium on the thermal stability and flame spread characteristics of epoxy through thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the UL94 flammability test, and scanning electron microscopy. We observed a decrease in the maximum mass loss rate temperature when mycelium was incorporated into epoxy, indicating an earlier onset of thermal degradation. The inclusion of mycelium increased char yields above 418 °C due to mycelium's inherent char-forming ability. However, mycelium did not alter the thermal degradation pathway of epoxy. Furthermore, according to the UL94 test results, the incorporation of mycelium reduced the flame spread rate compared to that of neat epoxy. These findings contribute to our understanding of the interaction between bioderived flame retardants and polymers paving the way for the development of more sustainable fireproofing materials.

Uterine artery embolisation: fertility, adenomyosis and size - what is the evidence?

BACKGROUND: Uterine artery embolisation is well established as a treatment for symptomatic fibroids, however, there remain some uncertainties. We have carried out a focused literature review on three particularly challenging aspects - post-procedure fertility, symptomatic adenomyosis and large volume fibroids and uteri, to enable operators to utilise evidence-based guidance in patient selection, consent, and management. REVIEW: Literature searches were performed of the PubMed/Medline, Google scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. The outcomes of our analysis of studies which recorded fertility rates in women desiring pregnancy following UAE for symptomatic fibroids found an overall mean pregnancy rate of 39.4%, live birth rate of 69.2% and miscarriage rate of 22%. The major confounding factor was patient age with many studies including women over 40 years who already have lower fertility compared to younger cohorts. Miscarriage rates and pregnancy rates in the studies analysed were comparable to the age matched population. Treatment of pure adenomyosis and adenomyosis with co-existing uterine fibroids with UAE has been shown to produce symptomatic improvement with better outcomes in those with combined disease. Although the effectiveness is not as high as it is in pure fibroid disease, UAE provides a viable and safe alternative for patients seeking symptom relief and uterine preservation. Our analysis of studies assessing the outcomes of UAE in patients with large volume uteri and giant fibroids (> 10 cm) demonstrate no significant difference in major complication rates demonstrating that fibroid size should not be a contraindication to UAE. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest uterine artery embolisation can be offered to women desiring pregnancy with fertility and miscarriage rates comparable to that of the age-matched general population. It is also an effective therapeutic option for symptomatic adenomyosis as well as for the treatment of large fibroids > 10 cm in diameter. Caution is advised in those with uterine volumes greater than 1000cm3. It is however clear that the quality of evidence needs to be improved on with an emphasis on well-designed randomised controlled trials addressing all three areas and the consistent use of validated quality of life questionnaires for outcome assessment to enable effective comparison of outcomes in different studies.

Orbital Exenteration: Tumour Diversity and Survival-Report from a Cancer Centre of Northeast India.

Orbital exenteration is a mutilating surgery which involves the removal of the entire contents of the bony orbit, including the globe, extraocular muscles and periorbital fat, and many times includes the eyelids. Since it leads to severe disfigurement, it is an infrequent procedure largely indicated in malignant conditions. The current study aims to report the clinicodemographic profile and treatment outcome of orbital exenteration patients done in a cancer care center in Northeast India. This is a hospital-based retrospective study between January 2017 and December 2021, including patients undergoing orbital exenteration. All patient and treatment-related data were retrieved from the record of hospital files. A total of 18 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51 ± 18 years and male: female ratio was 1:1. Most patients had primary in orbit (55.6%). The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma, (8/18, 44.4%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (two patients, 11.1%). After a median follow-up was 25 months (range 3-92), the median DFS of the study population was 31.4 months. The five-year overall survival of the patients was 54%. Orbital exenteration is an infrequent surgery due to the associated disfigurement and hence reserved for conditions where eye preservation is impossible. We tried to report the experience of orbital exenteration from a single cancer center for five years.

Direct crystallographic observation of catalytic reactions inside the pores of a flexible coordination polymer.

A new flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP), {[Gd(2)(L)(3)(dmf)(4)]·4DMF·3H(2)O}(n) (1), was synthesized under solvothermal condition by reacting [Gd(NO(3))(3)]·6H(2)O with the ligand 2,6,2',6'-tetranitro-biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (H(2)L). Compound 1 had a 3D coordination polymeric structure with two types of 1D channels (A and B) that were occupied by DMF and water molecules. When crystals of 1 were separately exposed to vapors of various aromatic aldehydes, either the lattice or both the lattice and metal-bound solvent molecules were replaced by aldehyde molecules. The aldehyde molecules inside the pores spontaneously underwent cyanosilylation and Knoevenagel condensation reactions upon exposure to vapors of trimethylsilyl cyanide and malononitrile, respectively. These reactions took place at ambient temperature and pressure. Moreover, both the reactants and the products translocated from one cavity to another. The products that occupied the cavity were expunged upon exposure to the vapors of an aldehyde. Because crystallinity was maintained during these chemical transformations, direct crystallographic observation was possible. Herein, we showed that confinement of the reactants inside the void spaces of the PCP led to the products; we also assessed catalytic activities of this PCP in bulk quantities.